DIY Canvas

This month I am trying something totally new to me, a canvas hybrid project. This DIY project was inspired by this month’s theme which focuses on beginnings and new. I was given two pieces of this amazing collection from Digital Scrapbook Ingredients and Meagan’s Creations. So follow along on my adventure as I attempt this DIY canvas project.

I started by creating an inspirational layout based on the word art “Start Something New” that was 8 inches by 10 inches (the size of the canvas board I was using). Since I had text or words in my layout I needed to reverse the image before printing. To print, use standard copy paper in a laser printer (not ink-jet).

Here is the canvas board I used–it’s more of a canvas wrapped to a stiff cardboard backing so it is a bit more firm than a typical canvas this is only supported by a frame. (These are sized 8 x 10, and my daughter just happened to have these in her art stash that she let me use).

And here is the secret ingredient for the project: Gel Mat. I got it at my local Michael’s craft store.

Applying the “Gel Mat” fairly liberally to the printed side of the paper.

Flipping the paper over and onto the canvas board and rubbing it firmly (but not too hard or with sharp edges as to cause tears). I improvised here and used the smooth rounded top of a large tic-tac container. Added benefit is that we were able to snack on a tic tac or two during the process.

Let it dry overnight. Taking a spray bottle, mist the paper until it is saturated and let it soak in a bit.

Gently rub off the paper from the canvas. The soaking and rubbing process had to be repeated a number of times to remove all the paper. And you must rub “gently” in order to prevent damage to the transferred image. As you will see in the next finished project image I did get a bit too aggressive in a few spots. My rubbing technique improved as I continued.

The final DIY canvas on display. Not too bad for a hybrid newbie. So go ahead and start something new!

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The Magic of Beginnings Giveaway

On to the next installment of the Scrapaneers December Giveaway – The Magic of Beginnings.

A big THANK YOU to all the amazing designers who contributed to this Mega Collection. The Magic of Beginnings is perfect for your holiday and December sequential projects, but it is about so much more than that. Think about plans and goals for the new year, starting a new stage of life, new relationships or simply the start of exciting new adventures. This collection is so big we could not fit it all into one preview, so here is glimpse at the collection in two parts (we couldn’t fit everything in the preview so know there’s MORE!):

Magic of Beginnings download links are no longer available.

Don’t forget to check back on Monday, December 12 for the next set of downloads, and a fun glittery tutorial from Christa.

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